Murder by the Clock · Theme
Deception of the Senses
How Murder by the Clock develops Deception of the Senses.
The plot relies on sensory misdirection—such as the coldness of a body that isn't dead, the sound of shots that aren't heard, and the use of dust as a disguise—to keep both the characters and the reader uncertain about what truly happened.
Where it surfaces
- II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder
Valcour notes the clean balcony and lack of clues, but the dirty soap and missing button suggest hidden evidence, challenging initial perceptions.
- VI: 10:32 p.m.—Pictures in Dust
Valcour's discovery of dust streaks suggests the attacker used dust to disguise their identity, deceiving the senses.
- VII: 11:01 p.m.—Banked Fires
Valcour misinterprets Mrs. Siddons's reactions, and the medical examiner's cryptic 'crinoline' hints at misleading clues.
- X: 12:06 a.m.—The Stillness of a Grave
The stillness and apparent calm of the house contrast with the underlying threat, and the characters' perceptions are unreliable.
- XI: 12:15 a.m.—To Watch by Night
Valcour deliberately misleads Hollander about the police presence and the nature of the situation, creating a false impression of normalcy.
- XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck
Madame Velasquez's appearance and behavior are deceptive, hiding her true manipulative nature.
- XIV: 2:01 a.m.—An Empty Sheath
Valcour's search is interrupted by a sudden attack, and the sheath is empty, hinting at unseen dangers.
- XV: 2:13 a.m.—The Thin Steel Blade
Miss Murrow's perception of Hollander's movements is uncertain—she questions whether his hand is moving or if it's an illusion of light and shade.
- XVI: 2:13 a.m.—Time Versus Death
The officers conceal themselves from Endicott's view, and Hollander's friendly demeanor masks his murderous intent.
- XVII: 2:40 a.m.—The Angle of Death’s Path
The angle of the bullet and the open window deceive the characters about the true source of the shot, emphasizing how sensory evidence can mislead.
- XVIII: 3:00 a.m.—Thin Haze of Dread
The thin haze of dread and the dark night create an atmosphere of uncertainty and obscured perception, reflecting the deceptive nature of appearances.
- XIX: 3:15 a.m.—The Properties of Horror
The cooler room temperature and the absence of a heard shot highlight how sensory details can mislead or provide crucial clues.
- XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
Valcour suggests that Roberts's subconscious may have counted shots, and Roberts's claim of not being on the balcony contrasts with Valcour's suspicion.
- XXI: 3:51 a.m.—A Woman’s Slipper
Mrs. Endicott's apparent unconsciousness is questioned, and the damp spread suggests a trick.
- XXII: 4:14 a.m.—Tap—Tap—Tap
Mrs. Endicott's feigned unconsciousness deceives the senses, and Valcour uses sensory cues (tapping) to break through the illusion.
- XXIII: 4:29 a.m.—A Turn of the Screw
Valcour challenges Mrs. Endicott's account of the slipper and the balcony.
- XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage
Mrs. Endicott's claim of seeing no one on the balcony is challenged, and Valcour presents alternative interpretations of the events.
